Devotional: December 2007

I absolutely love this time of year: Christmas music, the lights, the sounds, the smells!  I went up in the attic right after Thanksgiving and got down the ornaments I had when I was a little girl and other decorations we’ve accumulated in the last few years.  It brings to mind so many wonderful memories.    Christmas also brings to my mind once again what a wonderful Savior we have. 

He left His Heavenly Father to join an unfamiliar family.  He temporarily abdicated His throne to walk among commoners.  He gave up the comfortable environment of Heaven to be born in a stable.  He traded the home where everyone knew who He was and worshipped Him accordingly for a world where people didn’t understand Him and ultimately rejected Him.  He was betrayed, whipped, mocked and crucified to become the sacrifice for our sin. 

Then He gives us the option of accepting His payment for our sin.  When we do this, we become His children and all He asks of us is that we become a living sacrifice for Him; that we lay our wants and desires down, take up our cross and follow Him.  Considering His gift to us, that is only our reasonable service. 

Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”  As I ponder the goodness of the Lord this season, I know a little bit perhaps of how David felt when he penned these words.  But this verse is not just about a feeling of praise.  We can’t praise Him with all that’s in us if our all is not surrendered to Him. 

I encourage you to take a few moments and analyze the position your heart is in this season.  There is no greater gift than to give your heart to Jesus.  All it takes is simply realizing you are a sinner, being willing to turn from your sin with God’s help, and asking His forgiveness.  And if you are already His child, make sure He is reigning in your life.  Lift Him up to His rightful place in your heart.  He deserves to be your King.  He gave everything He had for you; why not give everything you’ve got to Him? 

Merry Christmas!

In Christ,

Sonya